Backyard Bliss

By Liz

As backyards go, I am one lucky ducky!  When you factor in city living, a rental and a roomie that is a natural gardener, I'm off the charts lucky!  Many of my friends agree that the space is inviting, comfortable, and a gem.  In the summer, the party lights go up, adirondack chairs come out and peace ensues.  Long afternoons with a book and ice cold drink, or enjoying the company of good people for a backyard shindig.  Life is good!

I do enjoy all the pretty bushes or plants and such, but frankly I'm glad roomie cares about them and keeps them looking good.  The only thing I'm good is for mowing the lawn and weeding in the veggie garden. Well, a little more TLC to the veggies from me than weeding.  This summer's crop includes some goodies... Sugar snap peas, beets, onions, fennel, tomatoes, zucchini, tomatillo, green beans, corn, herbs, blue berries, and lettuce.  Oh boy, is there lettuce.  My friends and coworkers have been enjoying the abundance of that crop:0)

From top left clockwise: sugar snap peas, tomatillo, full garden view, and corn that is well over knee high by the 4th of July!
Having a veggie patch is nothing new, not to me or many others.  I grew up with always having some sort of veggie in the backyard.  My grandpa has had a rather large garden in his backyard for years that has produced many wonderful ruffage. It sure is a lovely feeling taking a bowl from the kitchen, walking it down the back steps, and gathering fresh organic produce for that night's meal...